LANSING - Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gretchen Whitmer didn't waste any time Sunday afternoon getting a crowd of her supporters ready for the 2018 Women's March Michigan.

In about 10 minutes, Whitmer stressed the importance of women in elected office, touched on the #MeToo movement for victims of sexual assault and criticized the state and federal government for what she said is a lack of true leadership.

"We gotta run because we know how to get things done," Whitmer told the crowd in a tailgate-style event at the corner of South Washington Square and West Washtenaw Street.

Whitmer was accompanied by several women who currently hold public office in Michigan and also political newcomer Elisa Slotkin. Slotkin is the democratic challenger of of U.S. Rep. Mike Bishop for Michigan's Eighth Congressional District.

The district spans from Lansing to Rochester in northern Oakland County.

"I'm running because the people in Washington have forgotten they are public servants," Slotkin said.

Whitmer, of East Lansing, didn't touch on the Larry Nassar case or seven Michigan State University Board of Trustee members' support of MSU President Lou Ann K. Simon. But she did express her support of the #MeToo movement.

"That phrase is now a source of strength, not vulnerability," Whitmer said.

Whitmer also addressed her road ahead in the quest to become Michigan's next governor and generated plenty of cheers amid a crowd of mostly women with colorful, eye-catching signs.